Post-Exercise Numbness: Is It Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Mild numbness in the hand after exercise?

Hello doctor, a couple of days ago I practiced riding a motorcycle.
I'm not sure if it's because I haven't exercised much during the summer or if it's due to the weight of the motorcycle, but after pulling the bike, I felt soreness and swelling in the muscles on the left side of my chest.
The swelling is located just above the armpit, and I'm unsure if the swelling is pressing on a nerve because I occasionally feel a tingling sensation in my left hand.
It's not severe, and I can still move without pain, but there is a slight tingling and a little electric shock feeling.
I found some information about thoracic outlet syndrome and I'm a bit worried that I might have it since the location feels very similar.
So far, I've used pain relief patches and sprays to alleviate the discomfort.
I would like to know if the symptoms will disappear once the muscle soreness improves.

Kaiti, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/27

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Katie,
You mentioned that "my left hand feels a bit numb, it's not very severe and I can move it without pain." This symptom resembles the signs of peripheral nerve compression affecting the sensory nerves.
You may want to wait until the soreness and swelling in the muscles of your left thorax improve to see if the symptoms lessen.
If the symptoms persist, clinical practice typically involves arranging for peripheral nerve examinations using electrophysiological methods to assist in diagnosis.

Nerve conduction studies: These assess the conduction velocity and waveform of large fiber nerves.
Electromyography (EMG): This evaluates the muscle response in the areas supplied by the nerves.
I recommend that you visit a neurology clinic for further evaluation and follow-up.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Feel free to discuss further.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/07/27

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing some concerning symptoms after your recent activities, particularly related to your left chest area and arm. Based on your description, it is possible that you could be dealing with a condition related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), but let's break down your symptoms and the potential causes.

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when there is compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the space between your collarbone and your first rib. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and hands. The fact that you are experiencing a sensation of "electricity" or tingling in your left hand, along with localized pain and swelling in the upper chest area, could suggest that there is some form of nerve involvement.

Your symptoms of muscle soreness and swelling after riding a motorcycle, especially if you haven't been active for a while, could be due to muscle strain or overuse. The muscles in the chest and shoulder area can become fatigued and inflamed, leading to discomfort and possibly even nerve compression if the swelling is significant enough. It’s also worth noting that poor posture while riding or carrying heavy items can exacerbate these issues.

Here are some considerations and recommendations based on your situation:
1. Muscle Recovery: If your symptoms are primarily due to muscle soreness, they may improve with rest, ice application, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Stretching and gentle range-of-motion exercises can also help alleviate tightness in the affected muscles.

2. Nerve Compression: If the tingling and numbness persist, it may indicate that there is some degree of nerve compression. This could be due to muscle tightness, swelling, or even anatomical factors. If the symptoms do not resolve with conservative measures, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

3. Posture and Ergonomics: Pay attention to your posture while riding the motorcycle and during other activities. Ensuring that your shoulders are relaxed and your arms are not overly extended can help reduce strain on the thoracic outlet.

4. Physical Therapy: If your symptoms continue, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the thoracic outlet and improve flexibility, which may alleviate compression on the nerves.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice any worsening of numbness, weakness in your arm, or if the pain becomes severe, seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires intervention.

6. Diagnostic Imaging: If conservative treatment does not lead to improvement, your healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to assess for any structural issues contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to muscle soreness and overuse, the presence of tingling and numbness warrants careful monitoring. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek medical advice to rule out thoracic outlet syndrome or other potential issues. Taking proactive steps to manage your symptoms and improve your posture can significantly aid in your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain: Insights on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing this symptom for two years. The pain feels like muscle tightness after exercise, located on the right side of my neck, extending from the clavicle to the area near the brachial plexus, as well as a specific point on the right side of thorac...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
Based on the symptom description, it is indeed possible that this is "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome." Although this condition primarily affects the upper limb on the affected side, it can sometimes also cause pain and tightness in the shoulder, neck, and upper back. It is re...

Understanding Leg Numbness During Exercise: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I exercise 3-4 days a week, and I am 183 cm tall and weigh 110 kg. I primarily do aerobic exercises on the elliptical machine, and I used to be able to work out for over 50 minutes without any issues. However, in the past two days, after about 30 minutes of exercis...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms of paresthesia may need to first consider "hyperventilation syndrome." When it occurs, it leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in an increase in pH, which triggers systemic reactions and symptoms. Commonly observed sy...

Understanding Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Rehabilitation Solutions and Insights

Hello, Director Chen! For the past month and a half, I have been frequently using both hands while driving and managing household chores after home reconstruction, which has led to compression of the C8 and T1 nerves by the clavicle. I am in severe pain, and my doctor informed me...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is caused by hypertrophy and inflammation of the scalene muscles, which compress the brachial plexus and blood vessels. 2. Generally, stretching exercises can alleviate symptoms, and surgery is rarely needed (to increase space). You can search online f...

Why Your Hands Go Numb After Climbing: Understanding Nerve Issues

Hello, I haven't exercised for a while, and today I hiked uphill for an hour. As a result, my hand gradually became numb, and by the evening, the numbness extended from my palm to my forearm. Is this normal? Thank you.

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Regarding the hand tingling sensation you mentioned related to exercise, the first thing that comes to mind is hyperventilation syndrome. This condition can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in an increased pH level. Consequently, blood flow t...